Age restrictions for dating

Teens between the ages of 13 and 15 can consent to sexual activity with peers within a four-year age range.

People aged 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity with anyone they choose, as long as the other person does not have authority over them as defined in Pennsylvania’s institutional sexual assault statute.

It is illegal to have sex with a child under the age of 12, and for a child under the age of 12 to have sex with any person (regardless of age), even if the sex is consensual between the two persons.

The Act governing the age of consent, and other related sexual matters and offences in South Africa are the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Act 32 of 2007, as amended.

Age and experience create a power imbalance that makes it impossible for the younger person to freely give consent.

In Pennsylvania, children less than 13 years of age cannot grant consent to sexual activity.

Consensual sex is also allowed between children where one is below 16 and the other one above 16, provided that the age difference between them is not more than two 2 years.

For example a 17-year-old will be able to have consensual sex with a 15-year-old.

Generally the legal age of consent is considered to be age 16 and above for all genders and sexual orientations, but certain exceptions apply, including that of sex with someone with a mental disability and other factors.In South Africa the law considers a sexual act to be anything that can cause sexual stimulation or arousal.